Should We Mix Different Brands of Batteries

It is perfectly in order to have different battery types in our camping flashlights, kitchen scales and so on. That is, provided each individual device contains only one brand. But that is where the leeway ends. We should not mix different brands of batteries in the same device. Regardless of many people who say to the contrary that we can.

We should never allow urban legends like these to rule our lives. They are simply modern folklore that becomes true by default because nobody challenges them. This is true even though they refer to third party experience as evidence. Some people refer to these nonsensically convincing social media posts as fake news. Perhaps there should be a rule against this, but that’s another story.

We Should Not Mix Different Brands of Batteries

We don’t mix different types of tires on our cars, because we know they have different handling characteristics. Similarly, lithium, alkaline and ni-cad batteries perform differently because they have different battery chemistry. Even alkaline batteries of different brands have different characteristics. Putting them together can cause them to rupture. In the same way as we explained with fresh and old batteries the other day.

Mixing different batteries of the same dimension is equally tempting. Let’s say, we need portable energy urgently but our batteries are a mixed batch. We search the internet until we find an urban legend that suits us and assures us they are safe. But we should rather stop and ask ourselves, “If this is safe then why the warning signs on batteries? Is it worth taking the risk when we could void our insurance cover?”

Let’s Ask a Leading Battery Supplier to Settle the Debate

We visited the Energizer FAQ and found a topic ‘Can You Mix Different Brands of Batteries?’ Their answer is an emphatic, “As chemistries and voltage vary across both battery types and brands, we recommend that you do not mix batteries.

“Mixing of cells can result in battery leakage and sub-optimal device performance. For best results, replace all batteries with the same brand, chemistry, voltage, and size, when the device performance becomes unsatisfactory.” At UPS Battery Center, we second their advice.